Lynn – Peace in the Canyon

To celebrate our seventh anniversary last night, Abe and I went to one of our favorite restaurants, Pace. It’s only a 20 minute drive from us but feels worlds away…

We haven’t been there in a few years, but when we first moved to Los Angeles it was one of the first places we tried. Back then we were fresh from New York and refused to valet. So we learned the hard way – if you try to find street parking, you will only keep driving further and further up Laurel Canyon and it will be impossible to turn around. Then you’ll be late for dinner. Now we just pay the $5, which is worth it.

There’s a hippie vibe to the place; it’s just underneath the Laurel Canyon Country Store…

Once seated they bring you some Calabrese olives and toasted almonds; I was starving and snacked on a couple of these…

They also have crayons at the table so you can draw on the paper tablecloths. The first time we came to be Pace, we sat across from Keri Russell and a few other cast members of “Felicity” (one of my favorite shows of all time, by the way). Abe and I had used the tablecloth to write stuff about them….and the last time, Jessica Simpson was there. I thought the police were outside – but it was just the paparazzi with their incessant flashbulbs.

No celeb-sightings last night – not that I would’ve noticed because I was just focused on my hubby. We agreed to turn our cell phones off. I even had a few sips of wine for the occasion!

I also gobbled up these 2 pieces of focaccia with a delicious tomato/red pepper/carrot puree.

All their ingredients are local and organic. We split the chopped vegetable salad, which came portioned out on 2 plates:

Their dessert special is a warm chocolate cake that takes 30 minutes to prepare so you have to order it in advance. I’ve had it before, and it is indeed delicious, but I had no idea whether I’d be in the mood by the end of the meal so we passed.

What was I thinking?! I’m a sweetsaholic – of COURSE I’d be in the mood. So we asked for the apple crumble:

I’m not a huge whipped cream fan so I only had a few bites of that big fluffy pillow, but I ate more than my share of the dessert, plus the delicious garnish/sauce as well.

Happy Anniversary! You look beautiful and content! The restaurant sounds amazing- the meals you both chose were spectacular too. I’m salivating just thinking about the focaccia and the apple crumble! Gladyou enjoyed your special night!